Syrian army steps up attack on rebels in Aleppo

Syrian government forces have ramped up their assault with artillery, ground forces and helicopter gunships on rebel-held areas in Aleppo city.

According to officials, the area of Salah al-Din was recaptured but rebels claim the battle there was still underway.

The new head of the United Nations’ observer mission, Babacar Gaye, has stated there has been a rise in violence in the country’s most populous city.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon later revealed that Gen Gaye's convoy was attacked over the weekend.

In other developments, Syria's most senior diplomat in London, Charge d'Affaires Khaled al-Ayoubi, has stepped down from his post, saying he was no longer able to represent a regime that has "committed such violent and oppressive acts against its own people".